The Value and Relevance of Community Research

Communities
Written By Emmanuel Gospel Center

Photo credit: Andrew Holzschuh via Lightstock

The Value and Relevance of Community Research

By Rudy Mitchell, Senior Researcher

Why research our communities when we can simply talk to people or make casual observations?

In-depth research helps us go below the surface. There we discover the root causes of problems, hidden needs, or little-known assets and resources.

Research provides a broader understanding of the various trends or forces impacting our communities. With this greater awareness, Christians can more effectively minister in their communities or start new ministries.

Community research lays a foundation for community transformation and effective witness.

This presentation is part of the larger series, Community Research and the Church. For earlier segments, click here.

Resources
Tax-Exemption Issues For Mass. Churches and Religious Organizations
Tax-Exemption Issues For Mass. Churches and Religious Organizations

As churches explore ways to more fully use their buildings, they also need to consider any potential issues that might affect their tax-exempt status. 

Top 5 Books for Understanding Boston
Top 5 Books for Understanding Boston

Are you looking to get a better understanding of the city of Boston with all its history, neighborhoods, and eccentricities? Rudy Mitchell, researcher of Boston's neighborhoods and churches for over 30 years, gives his top 5 recommendations for books about Boston.

Where to Plant a Church in Boston: Areas of Growth
Where to Plant a Church in Boston: Areas of Growth

Want to know where to plant a church in Boston? You might consider Boston’s newest or soon-to-be-built residential growth sites. We’ll take a look at eight neighborhoods where growth is—or soon will be—taking place, based on public and private development plans. 

Gender Based Violence & the Church [Resources]
Gender Based Violence & the Church [Resources]

The Church has a critical role in prevention, intervention, and healing from gender-based violence (GBV). These resources can help.

Christianity in Boston 2030: What's The Church's Vision?
Christianity in Boston 2030: What's The Church's Vision?

The City of Boston has released “Imagine Boston 2030,” a comprehensive vision to prepare for an expected population surge by the city’s 400th anniversary in 2030. Can the church articulate a similar vision for what the Kingdom of God could look like in Boston 13 years from now?

Tips for Developing Church Leadership
Tips for Developing Church Leadership

Starting a new church, but short on leaders? A few years ago, we interviewed a number of Greater Boston’s church planters to ask how they were developing new leaders for their churches. Here are some of their tips for raising new leaders.

Perspectives on Boston Church Statistics: Is Greater Boston Really Only 2% Evangelical?
Perspectives on Boston Church Statistics: Is Greater Boston Really Only 2% Evangelical?

A frank look at the sources, accuracy, limitations, and weaknesses of some commonly used church statistics in Boston. As convenient and convincing as statistics are, they can be misunderstood, misapplied, and generate misinformation.

Emmanuel Gospel Center
Previous

EGC’s (Inaugural) Shalom-Seekers Book List
Next

The Nature of Community Research